13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Because of the importance of these 3 verses for the rest of the letter, we'll spend a couple of days on this. These verses set out the main theme of the rest of the letter, especially in terms of how the readers (and us) should respond to the gospel when we feel and are out of place, as we often ought to be because we have been chosen to be holy in an environment that isn't.
Initial thoughts...
9.28.2010
9.27.2010
1 Peter 1:10-12
1 Peter 1:10-12
The Spirit of Christ had given the prophets insight that what they preached pointed ahead. Not only that, but that insight was/is of service to Christians because it connects all God has done in the OT with what God did in Christ and the message(s) of the NT. The work/mission of God had not ended with the prophets. Something that Jews and Christians Jews especially needed to hear. Something you and I need to hear. Something angels wish they could 'look into.'
Here are a few OT and NT reference that suggest this whole idea was not terribly uncommon.
Habakkuk 2:2-3
2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald [b] may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it [c] will certainly come and will not delay.
Matthew 13:16-17
16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Acts 8:30-32
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
The note about Angels serves to remind us of the greatness of the Gospel we have heard! I know we sometimes nod off or daydream during a Scripture reading or a sermon, and I understand. But this news, all of it, of what God has done coming to a world-changing high-point in Jesus and it's FOR us, is astonishing! Even angels are fascinated with all this, and it is carried forward by simple, ordinary preachers who preach the message by the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of Christ had given the prophets insight that what they preached pointed ahead. Not only that, but that insight was/is of service to Christians because it connects all God has done in the OT with what God did in Christ and the message(s) of the NT. The work/mission of God had not ended with the prophets. Something that Jews and Christians Jews especially needed to hear. Something you and I need to hear. Something angels wish they could 'look into.'
Here are a few OT and NT reference that suggest this whole idea was not terribly uncommon.
Habakkuk 2:2-3
2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald [b] may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it [c] will certainly come and will not delay.
Matthew 13:16-17
16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Acts 8:30-32
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
The note about Angels serves to remind us of the greatness of the Gospel we have heard! I know we sometimes nod off or daydream during a Scripture reading or a sermon, and I understand. But this news, all of it, of what God has done coming to a world-changing high-point in Jesus and it's FOR us, is astonishing! Even angels are fascinated with all this, and it is carried forward by simple, ordinary preachers who preach the message by the Holy Spirit.
9.23.2010
1 Peter 1:3-12
For NIV reading click here 1 Peter 1:3-12.
Peter begins the main part of his letter with praise (greek word = "good words"). In other words, Peter is sharing good words about about what God has done.
We'll land on this short section for a couple of days and share some reflections on it.
What in this sections really resonates with you and brings you to a place of praise?
Comments/questions...
Matt
Peter begins the main part of his letter with praise (greek word = "good words"). In other words, Peter is sharing good words about about what God has done.
We'll land on this short section for a couple of days and share some reflections on it.
What in this sections really resonates with you and brings you to a place of praise?
Comments/questions...
Matt
9.22.2010
1 PETER 1:1-2
Read 1 Peter 1:1-2
I know it seems like a short passage with not much there, but read it over a few times in a few different translations (below). What do you notice about how Peter is described? How does Peter describe those to whom he is writing? Usually the opening greeting of a letter contains some general theme(s) that help the read know how to read the rest of the letter. How does that help us here?
NIV
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
NLT
This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.
ASV
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
In this case the ASV (American Standard Version) seeems to me to be the clearest and most faithful to the Greek. Notice anything interesting? What’s significant about the ASV in contrast to the other two? How does it hold two seemingly contradictory truths together in verse 1, and how does verse 2 relate to it?
Comments...
9.20.2010
1 Peter in One Sitting
For NIV link to all five chapters, click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%201-5&version=NIV
As we get ready to dive into 1 Peter, read it through at least once - takes about the time to drink 1/2 cup of coffee. Try to keep from landing on a verse. The goal is to get a general idea of the letter as a whole. Jot down a few things that you notice or are interesting to you, as well as questions that are provoked by the text.
Then, if you have time, read it through more slowly.
Just one comment...notice the tension that comes right out at the start: Christians are both 'called/choses/elect' and 'strangers/exiles/refugees.' To a first century reader, he would notice this and how it plays out in the rest of the letter.
Matt
RESOURCES
A good verse by verse translation with notes http://net.bible.org/bible.php?book=1Pe&chapter=1#n1
Some notes from Ray Pritchard - haven't read them all, but they seem good http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon_series/Strangers-in-a-Strange-Land--I-Peter-46/
As we get ready to dive into 1 Peter, read it through at least once - takes about the time to drink 1/2 cup of coffee. Try to keep from landing on a verse. The goal is to get a general idea of the letter as a whole. Jot down a few things that you notice or are interesting to you, as well as questions that are provoked by the text.
Then, if you have time, read it through more slowly.
Just one comment...notice the tension that comes right out at the start: Christians are both 'called/choses/elect' and 'strangers/exiles/refugees.' To a first century reader, he would notice this and how it plays out in the rest of the letter.
Matt
RESOURCES
A good verse by verse translation with notes http://net.bible.org/bible.php?book=1Pe&chapter=1#n1
Some notes from Ray Pritchard - haven't read them all, but they seem good http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon_series/Strangers-in-a-Strange-Land--I-Peter-46/
9.19.2010
Next...1 Peter
Last post ended our time in Genesis - will miss it - so much more we could have shared, but great thoughts from everyone...thanks!
Next, it looks like most votes are for 1 Peter - that o.k. with everyone? We'll start it this week.
Peace,
Matt
Next, it looks like most votes are for 1 Peter - that o.k. with everyone? We'll start it this week.
Peace,
Matt
9.17.2010
GENESIS 50
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+50&version=NIV
Lots to say about Genesis 50 and the whole Joseph story that spans about 14 chapters.
A few selected thoughts, some about the things the story reveals about us, and some about what the story reveals about God:
What the story reveals about us:
Lots to say about Genesis 50 and the whole Joseph story that spans about 14 chapters.
A few selected thoughts, some about the things the story reveals about us, and some about what the story reveals about God:
What the story reveals about us:
- Somewhere in Joseph's life, perhaps as a result of his brothers' actions, Joseph learned to suffer in a trusting way through which God redeems others (more than anything, this reflects Joseph as a 'type' of Jesus).
- The Jacob/Joseph story is a push to reflect on family relationships. How many of us have been hurt by a family member: a dad, a sister, a cousin. How do our responses line up with Joseph's? The whole story reminds us how much impact our family dynamics have on us, but also how God can redeem them through our faithfulness.
- Joseph's life is a study in what it looks like to faithfully leverage circumstances - knowing God was with him seemed to free Joseph to have an amazing amount of confidence in God even when others were framing him, imprisoning him and forgetting about him.
- When I read Genesis 37-50 I'm challenged to revisit how I interpret what God might be doing through what's happening. This is not about settling or resigning to whatever happens, but a transformed way of looking at everything so that we can make wiser more trusting decisions. This part of Joseph's story is what is most difficult for me.
- Fruit of the Spirit: in Joseph I see self-control, patience, kindness...remind you of Galatians 5:22-23?
What the story reveals about God:
- God's plans are big - what was happening in Jacob's family spans something far bigger than family hurt, selfishness, favoritism, jealousy, and unjust circumstances. Our perspective has a hard time zooming out, but whether we dealing with how long something has been going on, or how many people are impacted, or how far the consequences reach, what God is doing through our immediate circumstances are pulled up into something incomprehensibly bigger.
- God's promise will be carried forward. God seems to allow us to get in His way, but only to a degree. It may seem that all that happened through this family of promise got in the way of the promise. But at most it only slowed it up a bit. And perhaps that was part of the promise itself!
- Joseph easily becomes our hero in the story, but the real hero is God. This is true of every page of the Bible.
- God is with us! A resounding chorus of the entire Bible is God's presence and activity no matter what! Like the Psalmist asks, 'where can I flee from you presence?' Like Paul sings, 'who can seperate us from the love of Christ?' Like Jesus assured, 'I am with you always.' So, 'what would you do in your circumstances if you were completely confident God was with you?'
- God can be trusted! This is hard. When things seem to unravel, when we're misunderstood, when we're wrongly accused, when we're waiting and waiting and waiting...and waiting for God to jump in...God Can Be Trusted. Help me remember that!
- Exodus begins with the word 'and' demanding that we see it as a continuation of Genesis - in fact Exodus begins with 'and these are the names' (shemot = Hebrew title for the second book).
- The promises of Genesis continue to be fulfilled.
- The people of the promise still struggle.
- The God of the promise has not left us alone and His promises will be fulfilled.
- Jesus proves it!
Your comments...
Matt
9.16.2010
GENESIS 49
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+49&version=NIV
Jacob, knowing his death is near, gathers his sons to pronounce blessing on them. This is more than a bit of encouragement or wisdom. The tradition and practice was that these words are not just spoken, but are 'performative' as scholars say. That is, they reflect a deep current truth about the recipient, as well as accomplishing or making real what is said. So, it is especially interesting to read what Jacob says about them.
For parents (or grandparents) out there, I wonder what kind of blessing we would pronounce over our kids/grandkids. What would it look like if you wrote a heartflet, gut-level letter to each of your kids and at the least set it aside in a safe place for them - great gift that truly can bless them. I'm in the process now...would be interested in your thoughts, reflections.
Matt
Jacob, knowing his death is near, gathers his sons to pronounce blessing on them. This is more than a bit of encouragement or wisdom. The tradition and practice was that these words are not just spoken, but are 'performative' as scholars say. That is, they reflect a deep current truth about the recipient, as well as accomplishing or making real what is said. So, it is especially interesting to read what Jacob says about them.
For parents (or grandparents) out there, I wonder what kind of blessing we would pronounce over our kids/grandkids. What would it look like if you wrote a heartflet, gut-level letter to each of your kids and at the least set it aside in a safe place for them - great gift that truly can bless them. I'm in the process now...would be interested in your thoughts, reflections.
Matt
9.15.2010
GENESIS 48
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48&version=NIV
The deathbed blessing was a legally binding will and though it was usually reserved for the firstborn, it could also be applied to younger children at the discretion of the father, as is the case here, reminding us that the usual ways are not always the way it goes.
Jacob/Israel's elevating of Joseph's two sons is important because they are the result of Joseph's marriage to an Egyptian woman. Normally this might leave them out of the blessings, yet here they are, on equal footing with Jacob's sons.
I love Jacob's deathbed assurance to Joseph, "God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers." God has been with Joseph all along, the story has repeated that. But here, Joseph is about to watch his dad die, after years of being without him because of his brother's jealousy. Hugely important words from an imperfect dad to his unjustly treated son...reaffirming God is here, God is at work, God's will is being done and you will someday be back in the land God has promised over and over for generations.
How about you? Do you know God is with you? Do you know that even across seasons (years?) when it seems God is not? I know I need to hear it over and over.
Thoughts...
Matt
The deathbed blessing was a legally binding will and though it was usually reserved for the firstborn, it could also be applied to younger children at the discretion of the father, as is the case here, reminding us that the usual ways are not always the way it goes.
Jacob/Israel's elevating of Joseph's two sons is important because they are the result of Joseph's marriage to an Egyptian woman. Normally this might leave them out of the blessings, yet here they are, on equal footing with Jacob's sons.
I love Jacob's deathbed assurance to Joseph, "God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers." God has been with Joseph all along, the story has repeated that. But here, Joseph is about to watch his dad die, after years of being without him because of his brother's jealousy. Hugely important words from an imperfect dad to his unjustly treated son...reaffirming God is here, God is at work, God's will is being done and you will someday be back in the land God has promised over and over for generations.
How about you? Do you know God is with you? Do you know that even across seasons (years?) when it seems God is not? I know I need to hear it over and over.
Thoughts...
Matt
9.13.2010
GENESIS 46-47
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+46-47&version=NIV
Chapter 46 begins with a real affirmation by God to Jacob/Israel...the promises to Abraham still apply and are still marching forward.
Verses 5-7 might make us wonder why God’s chosen people are moving everything out of the chosen land.
In verse 29 Joseph finally sees his father after many years, and we are told he weeps ‘for a long time’ on Jacob.
Not sure I understand 47:3 when they say they are shepherds after being told not to, and Pharaoh doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.
Because of Joseph, (v. 12) his whole family is provided food according to their number. By the end of the chapter they are situated with much more than the native people of Egypt!
Due to the famine, the Egyptians gave everything they had including their land and their service to purchase food – and they were thankful. Not sure, but this may be an intended by Moses as a contrast to the people of Israel who after the Exodus have nothing, God purchases them/redeems them from Egypt, and yet they grumble.
Thoughts...
Matt
9.07.2010
GENESIS 44-45
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+44-45&version=NIV
These two chapters can't be read apart from one another. The tension between Joseph and his brothers (and their father Jacob/Israel) comes to a high point and then begins God's resolution to all that has happened over many years. Joseph's extremely theological interpretation of the events of their lives is a profound challenge to me to 'read' the unfolding story of my life through the lens of God's sovereign and good will. It doesn't exempt us from suffering, tears, loss and a host of relationship challenges. But looking at life theologically, through the eyes of real sturdy trust and surrender to God might just nurture in us the kind of radical confidence in God that Joseph had.
Thoughts, etc.
Matt
These two chapters can't be read apart from one another. The tension between Joseph and his brothers (and their father Jacob/Israel) comes to a high point and then begins God's resolution to all that has happened over many years. Joseph's extremely theological interpretation of the events of their lives is a profound challenge to me to 'read' the unfolding story of my life through the lens of God's sovereign and good will. It doesn't exempt us from suffering, tears, loss and a host of relationship challenges. But looking at life theologically, through the eyes of real sturdy trust and surrender to God might just nurture in us the kind of radical confidence in God that Joseph had.
Thoughts, etc.
Matt
9.02.2010
GENESIS 43
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43&version=NIV
This chapter recounts Josphe's brothers second trip to Egypt, this time with Benjamin whom the dad Jacob was very hesitant to send. He blames the brothers for telling the Egyptian governor (=Joseph) about Benjamin ("Why have you brought this trouble on me?" - never seeming to ask the question of himself! - see Matthew 7:1-5).
The Egyptian steward in v. 23 seems more theologically and spiritually mature and perceptive than the brothers, a theme that comes through several times in Genesis. Sometimes the most spiritually tuned are the least religious.
The brothers bow down, bringing to fulfillment Joseph's dreams in Gen. 37.
Once again, Joseph weeps, overcome by emotions.
Interestingly, Joseph arranges them at the dinner table according to age...they must have wondered how he knew!
Thoughts...
Matt
This chapter recounts Josphe's brothers second trip to Egypt, this time with Benjamin whom the dad Jacob was very hesitant to send. He blames the brothers for telling the Egyptian governor (=Joseph) about Benjamin ("Why have you brought this trouble on me?" - never seeming to ask the question of himself! - see Matthew 7:1-5).
The Egyptian steward in v. 23 seems more theologically and spiritually mature and perceptive than the brothers, a theme that comes through several times in Genesis. Sometimes the most spiritually tuned are the least religious.
The brothers bow down, bringing to fulfillment Joseph's dreams in Gen. 37.
Once again, Joseph weeps, overcome by emotions.
Interestingly, Joseph arranges them at the dinner table according to age...they must have wondered how he knew!
Thoughts...
Matt
9.01.2010
GENESIS 42
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+42&version=NIV
Verse one is so stereotypical 'dad.' Love it.
Jacob shows a little more favoritism, in this case, toward Benjamin - dad still hasn't learned the complications that come with that sort of imbalance.
Joseph, now governor over the national affairs of Egypt, pretends not to recognize his unrecognizing brothers when they come looking for grain. So he makes use of this leveraging point for his purposes, and the narrator makes no judgment on this.
Reuben's comments in vv. 22 bring their past back to 'haunt' them so to speak. It is a truth for all of us: when we act out of self-interest, jealousy, etc., it always complicates things and comes back around.
Thoughts...
Blessings,
Matt
Verse one is so stereotypical 'dad.' Love it.
Jacob shows a little more favoritism, in this case, toward Benjamin - dad still hasn't learned the complications that come with that sort of imbalance.
Joseph, now governor over the national affairs of Egypt, pretends not to recognize his unrecognizing brothers when they come looking for grain. So he makes use of this leveraging point for his purposes, and the narrator makes no judgment on this.
Reuben's comments in vv. 22 bring their past back to 'haunt' them so to speak. It is a truth for all of us: when we act out of self-interest, jealousy, etc., it always complicates things and comes back around.
Thoughts...
Blessings,
Matt
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